Bra

ABSTRACT

An adjustable bra having ribs ( 3 ) and a connector ( 4 ), a process for making a bra, and adjustment means for use in a bra, said adjustment means comprising ribs ( 3 ) and a connector ( 4 ).

The present invention relates to a bra, in particular to an adjustable bra having ribs and a connector, and to a process for making a bra. The present invention also relates to adjustment means for use in a bra, said adjustment means comprising ribs and a connector.

Bras are commonly worn to support a wearer's breasts, provide comfort and prevent sagging. In addition, bras can provide other, desirable features, such as the ability to create or enhance the breast cleavage of a wearer, for example by bringing the breasts together.

Bras and other similar devices which are designed to enhance the appearance of a person's breasts are well known and include push-up bras, padded bras, and bras including foam and gel inserts. Such bras generally have a front portion having a pair of bra cups, a fastening back portion, and a pair of over-the-shoulder straps, and may be referred to as classic, or conventional, style.

In conventional bras, the straps and back of the bra are essential components for providing the required support and for holding the bra in position. Variations on bra styles are available; for example, a bra may be provided with cross-over straps, a halterneck strap, or a single shoulder strap.

While straps are desired in many situations, in some situations they can detract from the overall appearance of the wearer, for example when the wearer wishes to wear an item of clothing with which the straps of a conventional bra would be visible.

In such a situation, a bra without visible straps may be desirable.

In order to provide support without visible straps, bras have been developed with straps that are transparent to minimise their impact. However, such straps are still somewhat apparent.

Bras that are both backless and strapless have been developed, Such bras generally rely on adhesives to attach the bra cups to the user. However, these systems generally consist simply of adhesive bra cups and provide only limited means for enhancing breast cleavage, and little support.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a bra which provides adequate support to a wearer and which is adapted to position the wearer's breasts so as to give an illusion of breast cleavage or to enhance the appearance of breast cleavage in a wearer, which bra may be backless and strapless, strapless, backless, or of a more conventional type with a back and one or more straps.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a bra comprising a pair of bra cups, each bra cup having an outer side portion and inner side portion, wherein:

each bra cup comprises

(i) a rib having a proximal end and a distal end, and

(ii) a connector;

the connector is located at the inner side portion of the bra cup for connecting the pair of bra cups to one another;

the proximal end of the rib is connected to the connector; and

the distal end of the rib is adapted to transfer a force applied to the connector to the outer side portion of the bra cup.

By “outer side portion” is meant that part of a bra cup designed to be placed at the side of the bra furthest away from the midline, or cleavage, of the wearer; that is, that part of the bra cup most distant from the other of the pair of bra cups.

By “inner side portion” is meant that part of a bra cup designed to be placed at the side of the bra nearest to the midline, or cleavage, of the wearer; that is, that part of the bra cup nearest the other of the pair of bra cups.

In a preferred embodiment, a bra in accordance with the present invention is backless and strapless. By “backless” is meant without a band designed to fit at a user's back when in use. By “strapless” is meant without any type of shoulder strap or halterneck strap.

Thus, in one embodiment of the invention there is provided a backless, strapless bra comprising a pair of bra cups, each bra cup having an outer side portion and inner side portion;

wherein each bra cup comprises a connector and a rib;

the connector is located at the inner side portion of the bra cup for connecting the pair of bra cups to one another;

a proximal end of each rib is connected to the connector; and

a distal end of each rib is adapted to transfer a force applied to the connector to the outer side portion of each bra cup.

In an embodiment, a bra in accordance with the present invention is strapless, but has a back portion. Said back portion does not require a fastening element as in conventional bras, because the connector at the front of the bra in accordance with the present invention secures the bra in place when in use. Thus, the back portion need only comprise a simple band designed to span a wearer's back between the outer portions of each bra cup. Said band may be transparent, for example comprising polyurethane, or it may be formed from any other suitable material, for example polyester, cotton, polyamide, rayon, jersey or silk. If desired, the back portion may comprise a fastening element (“fastener”). Suitable fasteners are known in the art and include, for example, hook-and-eyelet systems and ‘hook and snap’ clasp systems. If desired, the back portion may be adjustable; that is, it may include means by which the band may be loosened or tightened. Suitable adjusting means for adjusting the width of a band a known in the art, and any suitable adjustment means may be employed in the bras of the present invention.

Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a strapless bra comprising a pair of bra cups and a back band adapted to span the back of a wearer, each bra cup having an outer side portion and inner side portion, said outer side portions being connected by means of said band;

wherein each bra cup comprises a connector and a rib;

the connector is located at the inner side portion of the bra cup for connecting the pair of bra cups to one another;

a proximal end of each rib is connected to the connector; and

a distal end of each rib is adapted to transfer a force applied to the connector to the outer side portion of each bra cup.

In the above embodiment, the back band may be adjustable, or include fastening means, or may include fastening means and be adjustable.

In another embodiment, a bra in accordance with the present invention has a back portion and one or more straps. Said back portion does not require a fastening element as in conventional bras, because the connector at the front of the bra in accordance with the present invention secures the bra in place when in use. Thus, the back portion need only comprise a simple band designed to span a wearer's back between the outer portions of each bra cup. Said band may be transparent, for example comprising polyurethane, or it may be formed from any other suitable material, for example polyester, cotton, polyamide, rayon, jersey or silk. If desired, the back portion may include a fastening element, as described above; and/or it may be adjustable, as described above.

Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a bra comprising a pair of bra cups, one or more straps and a band adapted to span the back of a wearer, each bra cup having an outer side portion and inner side portion, said outer side portions being connected by means of said band;

wherein each bra cup comprises a connector and a rib;

the connector is located at the inner side portion of the bra cup for connecting the pair of bra cups to one another;

a proximal end of each rib is connected to the connector; and

a distal end of each rib is adapted to transfer a force applied to the connector to the outer side portion of each bra cup.

In the above embodiment, the one or more straps may comprise a single shoulder strap; a pair of shoulder straps; a halterneck strap; or crossover straps, such as are known to the person skilled in the art.

In each case, the one or more straps may be adjustable. Means for adjustment are well known in the art, and conventionally include a ‘clip and ring’ system.

In the above embodiment, the back band may be adjustable, or include fastening means, or may include fastening means and be adjustable.

In another embodiment, a bra in accordance with the present invention is backless but has a pair of shoulder straps, which may be adjustable as above.

Thus, according to the present invention there is provided a bra comprising a pair of bra cups and a pair of shoulder straps, each bra cup having an outer side portion and inner side portion, said outer side portions being connected by means of said band;

wherein each bra cup comprises a connector and a rib;

the connector is located at the inner side portion of the bra cup for connecting the pair of bra cups to one another;

a proximal end of each rib is connected to the connector; and

a distal end of each rib is adapted to transfer a force applied to the connector to the outer side portion of each bra cup.

By transferring any force applied to the connector to the outer side portion of each bra, any force on the connector is applied to the outer side portion of each bra cup and therefore to the outside of each breast thus pulling the breasts together and creating an enhanced cleavage.

The connector can have many different forms but is generally formed of two or more separate portions where a first portion is attached to one bra cup and a second portion to the second bra cup. The first and second portions of the connector are designed to engage with one another to join the bra cups. The connector may alternatively comprise a single piece that attaches to both bra cups. When the connector is not formed integrally with the rib, the connector may be adjoined to the bra cup by any suitable means.

Preferably the ribs are directly connected to the connector. The transfer of force is thus better controlled and more easily directed to the desired portion of the bra cup. Most preferably the ribs are formed integrally with the connector. When the ribs and connector are formed integrally the system of force transfer is simplified and the rib and connector will have greater tensile strength as no joins are required.

The ribs may also be joined to the connector via an intermediate portion. Said intermediate portion may comprise an expandable or stretchable material, such that the distance between the bra cups can vary to fit the particular needs of the wearer. Suitable materials for the intermediate portion include polyester, cotton, polyamide, rayon, jersey, Lycra, elastane and silk, for example in the form of knitted, woven, or braided fabrics. Typically, the fabric may be 0.5 mm-1.5 mm thick and from 200 to 300 mm in length, or may have a circular profile, and a diameter of from 2 mm and 10 mm. The given dimensions refer to the fabrics in their natural, unstretched form.

The ribs are preferably rigid relative to the bra cup enabling sufficient transfer of force from the connector to the outer portion of the bra cup. However, the ribs will also preferably be sufficiently resilient such that the rib can deform in use so as not to be uncomfortable for the user but also return to the original desired shape.

Preferably each rib is curved in shape. Each rib preferably extends around substantially the whole of the underside of the bra cup. In doing so, the rib can also act in the same way as an underwire, providing uplift to the user's breast.

Each rib is preferably shaped such that it has sufficient width at the distal end of the rib to transfer the force evenly to the outer side portion of the bra cup. Typically, the rib will have a width of at least 0.5 cm or at least 1 cm, and up to 5 mm in width, at its distal end. Preferably each rib is wider at its distal end than at its proximal end, ie the width of the rib decreases from the distal end to the proximal end along the midsaggital plane of the rib. Preferably the widest part of the distal end of the rib is at least 1.5 times or at least two times wider than the narrowest part of the rib, such as 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 times wider than the narrowest part of the rib, Preferably the rib is paddle shaped, i.e., the rib has a broad blade-like portion at its distal end and narrows at its proximal end. Most preferably, at the outer portion of the bra cup, the rib is positioned such that the blade, ie the width, of the paddle is substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the bra cup. In preferred embodiments, the distal end of the rib is concave on its interior facing side and mirrors the curvature of the interior surface of the bra cup. In such arrangements, the paddle is positioned such that the transferred force is spread out and applied evenly to the outer surface of the breast and can comfortably enhance the user's cleavage. Preferably the external surfaces of the rib are smooth. In one embodiment, the external surfaces of the rib are smooth, ie the rib is tear-drop shaped. This helps to prevent the rib from puncturing the bra cup in use and allows the paddle of the rib to cup the external portion of the breast more gently.

The size of the rib will vary depending on the size of the bra cup but will generally be sized such that the rib's distal end terminates in the vicinity of the outer edge of the bra cup. Preferably, the rib's distal end terminates within about 10 mm of the outer edge of the bra cup, such as from about 5 mm to about 15 mm of the outer edge of the bra cup.

In one embodiment, the rib is at least partially encapsulated by the bra cup, i.e., each rib is located at least partially within the volume of the bra cup. Most preferably, at least a major portion of the rib is encapsulated by the bra cup. Typically, the rib may be encapsulated by the bra cup to an extent such that 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% to 100%; or 75%, 80%, 85% or 90% to 95%; or 75%, 80% or 85% to 90%; or 75% or 80% to 85%, or 75% to 80% of the length of the rib is located within the volume of the bra cup.

If the rib is encapsulated by the bra cup, it will be held in place more securely and the risk of any sharp or hard portions of the rib coming into direct contact with the user's skin can be minimised. When the rib is at least partially encapsulated by the bra cup, it is preferably positioned such that it is encapsulated by at least 1 mm and more preferably at least 2 mm of the material forming the bra cup along the length of the rib, and at least 3 mm, more preferably at least 6 mm, of the material forming the bra cup at the distal end of the rib. That is, the rib is encapsulated within the material of the bra cup such that the full depth or thickness of the rib is encased in the material of the bra cup with both the interior facing surface of the rib and the exterior facing surface of the rib being surrounded by the material of the bra cup.

The method of encapsulating the rib will vary depending on the material of the bra cup. When the rib is partially encapsulated in the bra cup, the rib having a wider distal end than proximal end is particularly advantageous as the increased relative width of the rib anchors the rib in the bra cup and prevents the rib from being accidently pulled out of the bra cup. Suitable processes for encapsulating the rib includes a two phase, continuous silicone over-moulding process, wherein the thermoplastic rib component is injection moulded, and silicone is then over-moulded by means known in the art. One such means involves using a mechanical locking array integral to the tool in use, providing a continuous manufacturing operation for the fabrication of a PSA silicone encapsulated or partially encapsulated rib.

A suitable process may also be described as follows: Ribs may be injection moulded, using impact resistant plastic, optionally reinforced with a sprung steel core. In the injection moulding apparatus, the rib is secured by way of an integral connector to a solid locking key forming part of a concave component of the tool, with the distal end suspended in the tool and locked in place with a convex tooling component. Self Adhesive Liquid Silicone Rubber (SALSR) is injected or poured into the cavity, other silicone encapsulating the rib in the SALSR. The completed unit is removed from the tooling with the connector remaining exposed. A non adhesive thermoplastic elastomer is applied to the outer cup surface of the final component either before or during moulding.

When the rib and connector are formed integrally with one another, the portion that constitutes the rib is preferably encapsulated by the bra cup, for example substantially fully encapsulated by the bra cup, and the portion forming the connector preferably extends out of the bra cup.

Alternatively, the rib may be secured to a surface of the bra cup. For example, the interior facing surface of the rib may be secured to the outer surface of the bra cup.

When the inner surface of the rib is attached to the outer surface of the bra cup it may be directly attached thereto. A suitable process for attaching the rib directly to a surface of the the bra cup includes a process in which silicone over-moulding may be used over polycarbonate or nylon ribs to bond the ribs permanently to the outer surface of the cups. Other methods may include removable ribs with a PSA silicone coating being applied to the inner surface of the ribs only.

Alternatively, the rib may be contained in a sleeve or pocket attached to the bra cup. Suitably, the sleeve or pocket is stitched or glued to the bra cup, by conventional means. Most preferably, the sleeve or pocket has a shape in correspondence with shape of the rib, such that the sleeve is prevented from being able to move freely within said pocket or sleeve. The opening through which the connector is exposed, when fitted to the cup, should be sufficient to allow the connector to pass through, whilst risk of movement of the rib within the pocket at the distal end is mitigated by the tapering nature of the pocket shape. Suitable materials for the pocket or sleeve include, for example, polyester, cotton, polyamide, rayon, jersey and silk.

Where the rib has a paddle-shaped distal end it is preferred that the plane of the broad blade of the paddle lies transverse to the main plane of the connector. In use, the blade of the paddle extends substantially vertically around the outermost portion of the wearer's breast and the connector extends horizontally between the wearer's breasts in a plane substantially parallel to the wearer's breastbone.

The rib may be formed from any suitable material but preferably the rib is formed from a plastics material, most preferably polyurethane. Other suitable materials include polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET/G), polycarbonate, polyvinylidene fluoride, styrene acrylonitrile acrylate, styrene acrylonitrile, or similar impact resistant polymers with shape memory properties. The rib may be reinforced by incorporating a metal component along substantially the length of the rib, preferably a sprung steel component.

The connector may be formed from any suitable material but preferably it is formed from a plastics material, most preferably polyurethane. Other suitable materials include polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PET/G), polycarbonate or similar impact resistant polymers with shape memory properties.

The rib and the connector may be formed from the same material, or from different materials.

Particularly when the connector is not connected to the rib, it may be formed of a different material. Suitable materials include, for example, polyester, cotton, polyamide, rayon, jersey and silk. For example, the connector may comprise a material similar to, or the same as, any fabric included in the bra.

The rib and the connector may each be provided in the natural form of the plastic or other material, or either or both may be pigmented or decorated. Use of a pigmented material or decorating of any exposed portions of the ribs, or of the connector, may add to the visual appeal of the bra.

Preferably the connector is adjustable. This configuration is particularly advantageous as it enables the distance between the bra cups to be adjusted. This in turn allows the user to select the amount of force applied to the connector and thus to the outside portion of the bra cup and hence to choose the desired degree of cleavage enhancement.

The adjustable nature of the connector may be achieved by any suitable means. For example, the connector may comprise a series of spaced apart hooks on one side and a set of corresponding eyes on the other; a strap with a plurality of holes may be used on one side with a corresponding series of plugs on the other to engage with the desired holes; or a hook and loop fabric such as Velcro® may be employed where the desired degree of overlap of the respective fabrics can be selected. Preferably however the connector comprises two portions each comprising one or more apertures, and a ribbon or other thread that can be laced through the apertures and tied. Such an arrangement provides a secure and completely adjustable system as any desired spacing of the bra cups can be selected depending on how tightly the ribbon or thread is laced. Preferably the connector is provided with 1-5 apertures on each side, most preferably 2-3 apertures. Advantageously, a ribbon may be selected that is aesthetically pleasing to improve the overall appearance of the bra. The appearance of the bra can also then be altered as desired by changing the ribbon.

The connector may be provided with additional means for securing the ribbon or other thread. For example, a smooth plastic or steel ring may be provided, with channels through which the ribbon or thread may be passed. A spring-loaded or similar mechanism may be provided in order to hold the ribbon or thread in place.

Each bra cup has a generally concave skin-facing surface. Preferably the cup is not regular in shape but is shaped to fit an average breast. Preferably the optimum shape is determined by computer modelling a reasonable number of women's breasts of a particular cup size. When the bra cup is intended for a bra of the conventional type, it may take the form of a bra cup suitable for use in, for example, a demi cup bra, push up bra, balconette bra, plunge bra, full cup bra, shelf bra or t-shirt bra.

The bra cup may be further shaped to improve the appearance of the breast. For example, the bra cup may be thicker at the base of the cup to give the breast a lifted appearance. Convex raised portions may also be provided at appropriate locations on the inside face of the bra cup to facilitate the imparting of the desired forces to the breast.

The bra cup may be formed from any suitable material, for example, any liquid, gas or gel encased by a plastic, foam, or fabric material or a suitable solid or gel material such as a silicone gel, foam, plastic, rubber etc. Preferably the bra cup is formed from a silicone gel, for example a siloxane blend such as AMTv4. The silicone gel may be encapsulated by a thermoplastic membrane.

The material of the bra cup may be used in its natural form, or it may be pigmented or decorated in order to improve the overall appearance of the bra.

For example, pigmented silicone materials are available. Alternatively, either or both of the interior and exterior faces of the bra cup may be fully or partially covered with a plain or decorative fabric.

In some embodiments, and specifically when the bra in accordance with the present invention is strapless and backless, at least a portion of the interior skin facing surface of the bra is adhesive.

Preferably, when the bra in accordance with the present invention is strapless and backless, the material of the bra cup itself is adhesive in nature. In such an embodiment the outward facing surface of the bra is provided with a non-tacky surface. The non-tacky surface may be a non-tacky silicone component or alternatively may comprise an additional layer comprising a plastic film, for example polytetrafluoroethylene, low density polyethylene or other thermoplastic membrane. Preferably the film has a thickness of 0.2 mm or less.

Alternatively, when the bra in accordance with the present invention is strapless and backless, the bra cup may be provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) on its inner surface. In this case, preferably, substantially the entire interior skin-facing surface is provided with a PSA. The PSA is preferably a re-usable PSA. The PSA is preferably suitable for cleaning with soap and water to restore the adhesive properties. The pressure sensitive adhesive may be applied to the bra cup by any suitable means. Suitable PSA materials are known in the art.

The pressure sensitive adhesive or adhesive nature of the bra cup allows the bra cup to be positioned at the desired point on the user's breast such that the desired appearance can be achieved once the connector is applied.

Where the bra cup is adhesive or is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive on its inner surface, the bra is preferably supplied with a release liner provided on the adhesive layer. Preferably the release liner is a low density polyethylene release liner.

The outward facing surface of the bra cup may be provided with a fabric layer. By applying a fabric layer to the outer surface of the bra cup, the bra cup is provided with a surface that may sit better under clothing and may be more pleasant to the touch and in appearance. The bra can also then be customised as desired, for example using different colours and finishes by varying the fabric. The fabric may be attached to the outer face of the bra cup by any suitable means, for example by heat sealing or by the use of an adhesive.

Bras in accordance with the present invention may be provided in any conventional bra size. The size and/or shape of the bra cup and/or rib may be varied in order to provide different bra sizes. Bras in accordance with the present invention may be provided for example in cup sizes AA, A, B, C or D, or in DD+ sizes. Where the bra is strapless and backless, smaller cup sizes are preferred, such as for example cup sizes AA or A to C. However, the skilled person will be able to adjust the dimension of the bra components in order to provide larger cup sizes.

The rib and connector system described herein is common to all the bras in accordance with the present invention, and provides the bras with means for adjustment, which means not only give support to the breasts of the wearer, but also gives enhanced cleavage, or the illusion of cleavage. The rib and connector system represents another aspect of the present invention.

The adjustment means may include any feature of the rib and/or connector disclosed herein and thus may be described simply as a rib and connector as disclosed herein.

The adjustment means may alternatively be described as an adjustment means for use in a bra, said adjustment means comprising a first rib adapted to be included in a first bra cup, a second rib adapted to be included in a second bra cup, and engagement means for joining the bra cups, said engagement means comprising a first connector connected to, linked with, or formed integrally with said first rib, and a second connector connected to, linked with, or formed integrally with said second rib.

The rib described herein forms another aspect of the present invention.

The rib may include any feature of the rib as disclosed herein.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a rib for use in a bra, which rib is curved in nature and is generally paddle shaped such that it has a broad blade-like portion at an end intended for placement at an outer-side portion of a bra cup, and a narrower portion at an end intended for placement at an inner-side portion of a bra cup, the blade-like portion oriented in a plane transverse to the plane of the portion of the narrower portion intended for placement at an inner-side of the bra cup.

Preferably, the bra cups are silicone bra cups and the rib is partially encapsulated by the silicone bra cup. Difficulties arise however in adhering the silicone to the rib. Silicone is particularly useful for its skin contacting adhesive properties because it can adhere to dry skin but can easily be removed without causing pain or trauma to the skin. However, due to its relatively low adherence it is generally difficult to adhere silicone to materials having relatively smooth surfaces such as in preferred embodiments of the rib of the present invention.

It has surprisingly been found that by moulding a silicone gel precursor partially around the rib and then allowing or causing the silicone gel to cure, the silicone gel can adhere sufficiently strongly to the rib to hold the rib in place.

Thus, according to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of producing a silicone gel bra having a rib partially encapsulated within the bra cups of the bra, said method comprising the steps of: (i) partially inserting a rib into a bra cup mould, (ii) filling the mould with a silicone gel precursor, and (iii) allowing or causing the silicone gel precursor to cure. Steps (i) and (ii) may be performed in any order.

Preferably, the silicone gel precursor is caused to cure by heat curing, for example by thermal compression. This method is particularly advantageous when the end of the rib that is fully encapsulated, i.e., the distal end, is wider than the end that is not encapsulated, i.e., the proximal end. In preferred embodiments the precursor may be provided as two separate sections that are located on either side of the rib and subsequently cured, bonding the two sections together.

Additional components may be encapsulated in the bra cup using the same method. For example, an elastic material such as Lycra® may be encapsulated in the bra cup between the rib and the wearer. Such an arrangement can help to reinforce the bra cup making the bra cup more resilient to forces applied during wear. Purely aesthetic components may also be incorporated to improve the general appearance of the bra cup.

In use the bra cups are preferably applied separately to each breast and then the bra cups are subsequently joined by the connector. This allows the user to control and adjust the cleavage enhancement of the bra cups more fully.

The invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 is a front view of a bra cup, rib and connector according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2 a, b, c and d are cross-sectional views along lines A-A, B-B, C-C and D-D in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3a and 3b are front views of the ribs and connector of the bra according to an embodiment of the invention with the position of the bra cup relative to the ribs shown by dotted lines, FIG. 3b is an enlarged view of the connector; and

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a method of constructing a bra cup according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bra in accordance with the invention, including a back portion and a pair of shoulder straps.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bra in accordance with the invention, including a back portion and without shoulder straps.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bra in accordance with the invention, including a pair of shoulder straps and without a back portion.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 a-d there is shown an embodiment of a bra cup according to the invention, generally designated 1. A single bra cup is shown but a bra according to the invention would comprise two bra cups. Each bra cup comprises a silicone gel bra form 2 and a rib 3 with integral connecting means 4. Each bra form is formed of a silicone gel and has a concave skin-facing side which is uncoated and acts as a pressure sensitive adhesive and a convex exterior facing side which is coated with a thermoplastic polymer membrane.

As shown in FIGS. 2a-d , the ribs 3 are each encapsulated within the bra cups 2 with only the connecting means 4 extending out from the surface of the bra cup 2. Each rib extends from the interior edge 5 of each bra cup where the connecting means extends out from the bra cup to the vicinity of the exterior edge 6 of the bra cup. The rib ends approximately 6 mm from the exterior edge of the bra cup. Each rib is paddle shaped with the distal end 7 larger in width than the proximal end 8 but having a substantially planar shape. The wider paddle shaped portion of each rib lies parallel with the internal surface of the exterior edge of the bra cup. Each rib is curved and follows the shape of the underside of the bra cup.

The connecting means forms the proximal end of the rib and comprises a series of three apertures 9 located, in use, vertically one above the other. A ribbon 10 is, in use, laced between the apertures 9 to draw the two ribs 3 together.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3b , in use a bra cup 1 is applied to each of the wearer's breasts and then the connecting means 4 are subsequently laced up using the ribbon 10. By lacing the connecting means 4 together more tightly the two bra cups 1 are pulled further towards each other. The ribs 3 in turn transfer the force to the outer side of the bra cup 1 and hence the outer side of the breast of the wearer. The wearer's breasts are therefore pulled towards each other thus enhancing the cleavage of the wearer.

Each bra cup is formed as shown in FIG. 4. Two silicone gel precursor sections 11,12 are brought together with the rib 3 located in the desired position between the two sections 11,12. The connecting means 4 extends beyond the silicone precursor sections 11,12. The silicone precursor is subsequently cured by thermal compression of the combined sections.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bra with a back portion Y, and two shoulder straps X, each with adjusting means W. The rib and connector is represented as V.

FIG. 6 illustrates a bra with a back portion Y. The rib and connector is represented as V.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bra with two shoulder straps X, each with adjusting means W. The rib and connector is represented as V. 

1. A bra comprising a pair of bra cups, each bra cup having an outer side portion and inner side portion; each bra cup comprises (i) a rib having a proximal end and a distal end, and (ii) a connector; the connector is located at the inner side portion of the bra cup for connecting the pair of bra cups to one another; the proximal end of the rib is connected to the connector; and the distal end of the rib is adapted to transfer a force applied to the connector to the outer side portion of the bra cup.
 2. A bra according to claim 1, wherein said bra is selected from a backless and strapless bra; a bra further comprising a band which connects the outer sides of each bra cup, is adapted to span a wearer's back, and is optionally strapless; a backless bra comprising a pair of shoulder straps; and a bra further comprising a band which connects the outer sides of each bra cup and is adapted to span a wearer's back, and one or more straps. 3-6. (canceled)
 7. A bra according to claim 1, wherein the ribs are directly connected to the connector and are optionally formed integrally with the connector.
 8. (canceled)
 9. A bra according to claim 1, wherein the ribs are joined to the connector via an intermediate portion.
 10. A bra according to claim 1 wherein the ribs are curved in shape and optionally wherein the curve of the rib extends around substantially the whole underside of the bra cup.
 11. (canceled)
 12. A bra according to claim 1 wherein each rib is wider at its distal end than at its proximal end and is optionally paddle shaped.
 13. A bra according to claim 6 wherein the rib is paddle shaped and a blade portion of the paddle is substantially coplanar with the interior surface of the bra cup.
 14. (canceled)
 15. A bra according to claim 1 wherein an interior facing side of the rib is concave and mirrors the curvature of an interior surface of the bra cup.
 16. A bra according to claim 1 wherein an external surface of the rib is smooth.
 17. A bra according to claim 1 wherein the rib is at least partially encapsulated by the bra cup.
 18. (canceled)
 19. A bra according to claim 1 wherein the rib is encapsulated by the bra cup and the connector extends out of the bra cup.
 20. A bra according to claim 1, wherein the rib is contained in a sleeve or pocket attached to the bra cup.
 21. A bra according to claim 1 wherein the rib and/or the connector is formed from polyurethane.
 22. (canceled)
 23. A bra according to claim 1 wherein the connector is formed of two or more separate portions which are designed to engage with one another to join the bra cups and where a first portion of the connector is attached to the first bra cup and a second portion of the connector is attached to the second bra cup.
 24. A bra according to claim 1 wherein the connector is adjustable and optionally comprises two portions each comprising one or more apertures and a thread which may be laced through the apertures, optionally wherein each portion of the connector is provided with 1 to 5 apertures. 25-28. (canceled)
 29. A bra according to claim 1 wherein the bra cup comprises a silicone gel.
 30. A bra according to claim 1 wherein the interior surface of the bra cup is an adhesive surface, which adhesive surface is optionally an un uncoated surface of the bra cup. 31-32. (canceled)
 33. A bra according to claim 16 wherein the bra cup is provided with a release liner. 34-35. (canceled)
 36. Adjustment means for use in a bra, said adjustment means comprising a first rib adapted to be included in a first bra cup, a second rib adapted to be included in a second bra cup, and engagement means for joining the bra cups, said engagement means comprising a first connector connected to, linked with, or formed integrally with said first rib, and a second connector connected to, linked with, or formed integrally with said second rib.
 37. A rib for use in a bra, which rib is curved in nature and is generally paddle shaped such that it has a broad blade-like portion at an end intended for placement at an outer-side portion of a bra cup, and a narrower portion at an end intended for placement at an inner-side portion of a bra cup, the blade-like portion oriented in a plane transverse to the plane of the portion of the narrower portion intended for placement at an inner-side of the bra cup. 38-39. (canceled) 